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LLANDOVERY vs. NEWPORT

Newport travel to Llandovery in good spirit following an outstanding win over Merthyr at The Wern. Although without captain, Rhys Jenkins, and several other players who would normally have started the match, they delighted the travelling supporters by scoring three superb tries and defending like demons to hold on for a famous victory. However the victory came at a cost with Josh Reid aggravating an old injury and Lennon Greggains damaging a hamstring. It was these two players who combined to get the turnover that started a thrilling backs move ended by Chay Smith and which is now a contender more ‘try of the week’.

Last Saturday Llandovery suffered a defeat to Cross Keys at Pandy Park in a dour game played on a very heavy pitch. Like us, Llandovery like to play a fast, open game and these conditions would not have been to their liking. We can expect both teams to play an expansive game if the conditions are good. The Black & Ambers have found victories hard to achieve at Church Bank but last season they thought that they had won only to have that victory snatched away by the intervention of an assistant referee who gave the young referee some advice. Match officials have a tough job and I’m sure that it evens out over time…

Team selection is normally difficult but it is even more difficult after last week’s performance with several players making strong claims for the jersey. Once again, the medical staff will have a big influence with several players in a race to get fit.

Team will be selected after Thursday’s training session and fitness checks.